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Mint Fresh Herbal Gel With Ginger, Clove, Menthol
Decode Label Safety Score
How we got 4.6 ShowHide
Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed
This toothpaste contains Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, a known irritant, and camphor, which can be toxic if swallowed in quantity. While generally safe for adults when used as directed and largely spat out, parents should supervise young children to minimize ingestion due to the presence of camphor, menthol, and peppermint oil, which carry specific cautions for this age group. The product also includes synthetic colorants and an artificial sweetener.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
Contains irritant surfactant and camphor; caution for young children
This toothpaste contains Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, a common surfactant that can irritate sensitive gums and oral mucosa. It also includes camphor, which is toxic if ingested in significant amounts, and menthol and peppermint oil, which are not recommended for infants and toddlers due to potential breathing reflex risks.
Consider this product carefully if you are
- Avoiding certain additives or colours — Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is declared.
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- Allergies. Peanut, milk, gluten, egg and more, checked against the ingredient list.
- Diet. Vegetarian, vegan, Jain, no egg, no dairy.
- Health and goals. Sugar, salt, protein, steady blood sugar, heart-friendly, weight.
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Concern breakdown
Score out of 10 · higher = fewer concernsHow this product performs on each concern we check for oral care. This is a breakdown of the same evidence behind the score above — not a separate verdict.
Triggered by CI 19140, CI 42090 — a synthetic colour on our aromatic-amine watch list (impurity risk). A colour-quality caution, not a finding that this product contains a carcinogen.
Infants under 1
AvoidContains Menthol and Peppermint Oil, which are not recommended due to potential risks to their breathing reflex.
Toddlers & young children (1–5)
LimitContains Camphor, which can cause seizures if swallowed in quantity. Supervise brushing to minimize ingestion.
Why the score is capped
Primary surfactant with recognised irritation potential (EU SCCS)
Rule PC-CAP-05
Contains camphor in a product that is partly swallowed. Camphor is toxic when ingested, so US FDA limits it in consumer products; a toothpaste is not rinsed off the mouth
Rule PC-CAP-23 · Source: US FDA (21 CFR 310.545 and consumer warnings on camphor ingestion)
Watch out for
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate can cause irritation to sensitive gums and oral mucosa.
Camphor is toxic if swallowed in significant amounts, requiring caution for young children.
Menthol and Peppermint Oil are not suitable for infants and toddlers.
Synthetic colorants (CI 19140, CI 42090) are present.
Sodium Saccharin — intense artificial sweetener - widely used in toothpaste; not a classified carcinogen.
Sorbitol — sugar alcohol - excessive intake can cause bloating and a laxative effect.
Ingredient Concerns safety database
Sources cited below may be Indian (FSSAI) or international (EU, US, WHO, IARC) — an international classification or law is evidence, not an Indian regulatory finding.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
SLS is an aggressive surfactant that strips skin of its natural oils, disrupts the skin barrier, and can cause contact dermatitis, canker sores, and eye irritation. People with eczema, psoriasis, or sensitive skin should avoid SLS-containing products. It is particularly harsh in oral care products where it contacts mucous membranes.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: SCCS; American Academy of Dermatology; Herlofson & Barkvoll 1996
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: regulation, sources and other products →Sodium Benzoate (E211)
Benzoates are permitted preservatives with an established acceptable daily intake. Two documented concerns: in acidic drinks that also contain ascorbic acid (vitamin C) they can slowly form small amounts of benzene, especially with heat and light (US FDA beverage survey, 2006); and sodium benzoate was one of the additives in the Southampton study mixtures associated with hyperactivity in children. It can also trigger reactions in some people with asthma or urticaria.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EFSA re-evaluation of benzoic acid and benzoates (2016); US FDA benzene-in-beverages survey (2006); McCann et al., Lancet 2007
Sodium Benzoate: regulation, sources and other products →Saccharin (E954)
Saccharin is an approved intense sweetener and is used in small amounts to flavour toothpaste. An earlier rodent-bladder finding was judged not relevant to humans and IARC moved it to Group 3 (not classifiable) in 1999. The WHO (2023) nevertheless advises against relying on non-sugar sweeteners for weight control. In toothpaste the amount swallowed is very small.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: IARC Monographs Vol. 73 (1999); WHO guideline on non-sugar sweeteners (2023); EFSA/JECFA acceptable daily intake
Saccharin: regulation, sources and other products →Menthol and Peppermint Oil
Menthol, the main component of peppermint oil, can trigger a reflex that slows or stops breathing in babies when applied or inhaled near the face. The European Medicines Agency herbal monograph for peppermint oil contraindicates it under 2 years of age because of this laryngospasm risk, and does not recommend it between 2 and 4 years because there is not enough experience. For adults and older children it is a normal cooling and flavouring agent in toothpaste and body products, and can irritate sensitive skin at higher strengths.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EMA/HMPC European Union herbal monograph on Mentha x piperita L., aetheroleum
Menthol and Peppermint Oil: regulation, sources and other products →Camphor
Camphor gives a cooling, medicinal sensation and is a traditional ingredient in Ayurvedic oral-care and balm products. Swallowed in quantity it is toxic: a US poison-centre practice guideline refers anyone who has swallowed more than 30 mg of camphor per kg of body weight to an emergency department, because convulsions can follow. That threshold is far above what normal brushing involves, and the label does not show how much camphor a dose of this product carries, so this is a caution about young children who swallow toothpaste, not a finding of harm from ordinary use. In the US, camphorated oil drug products need new-drug approval.
Peer-reviewed research Source: Manoguerra AS et al., Camphor Poisoning: An Evidence-Based Practice Guideline for Out-of-Hospital Management, Clinical Toxicology 44:357–370 (2006), American Association of Poison Control Centers; US FDA 21 CFR 310.502(a)(4)
Camphor: regulation, sources and other products →Sugar Alcohols (Polyols)
Polyols are bulk sweeteners and humectants (also used in toothpaste). They are only partly absorbed, so large amounts can cause gas, bloating and a laxative effect, and EU rules require foods containing them to say "excessive consumption may produce laxative effects". Xylitol is toxic to dogs.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EU Regulation 1169/2011 Annex III (polyol labelling statement); EU Regulation 1333/2008
Sugar Alcohols (Polyols): regulation, sources and other products →Synthetic Cosmetic Colourants (CI)
These Colour Index (CI) numbers are colourants on the EU list of permitted cosmetic colours, each with conditions on where it may be used (for example, some are allowed only in products that do not stay in contact with mucous membranes). A listed colour in a product used as directed is not a finding of harm; the colour serves only to colour the product, and this is information for anyone who prefers to avoid synthetic dyes.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EU Regulation 1223/2009 Annex IV (permitted colourants); SCCS opinions on colourants
Synthetic Cosmetic Colourants (CI): regulation, sources and other products →Decode Label Analysis
Contains Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, a surfactant known to be a strong skin and mucous membrane irritant, which may cause discomfort for individuals with sensitive oral tissues.
Contains Camphor, which can cause seizures if swallowed in quantity. Supervision is advised for young children to minimize ingestion.
Contains Menthol and Peppermint Oil, which are not recommended for infants and toddlers due to potential risks to their breathing reflex.
Contains synthetic cosmetic colorants (CI 19140, CI 42090). While permitted, some individuals may prefer to avoid them.
Claim check
Front-of-pack marketing claims checked against this product's actual ingredients and nutrition. "Can't verify" means the label does not provide enough information to check the claim — it is not the same as the claim being false.
The claim 'Mint Fresh Breath' is a subjective benefit that cannot be verified from the ingredient list or other label information.
The claim 'Anti-Cavity' is a functional benefit that cannot be verified from the ingredient list or other label information.
The product is described as a 'Herbal Gel' and contains ingredients like Ginger, Clove Oil, Cinnamon Oil, Menthol, and Peppermint Oil, supporting the 'Herbal' and 'Mint' aspects.
The ingredient list includes 'Extracts of Ginger & Black Pepper'.
The ingredient list includes 'Clove Oil'.
The ingredient list includes 'Menthol'.
Read straight from the back-of-pack photo — quantities, sections and any disguised terms, so the small print can’t hide behind the marketing.
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1.
Sorbitol
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2.
Hydrated Silica
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3.
Water
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4.
PEG 32
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5.
Sodium Lauryl SulfateSodium Lauryl Sulphate
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6.
Extracts of Ginger & Black Pepper
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7.
Clove Oil
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8.
Cinnamon Oil
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9.
Camphor
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10.
Menthol
-
11.
Peppermint Oil trace amount
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12.
Cellulose Gum
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13.
Sodium Saccharin
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14.
Sodium Benzoate
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15.
CI 19140 synthetic colourC.I 19140
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16.
CI 42090 synthetic colour&C.I 42090.
Trace amounts: some named ingredients appear in token quantities or low in the list. At these concentrations a meaningful benefit is unlikely, and their front-of-pack prominence may not reflect their level in the formulation.
In label order — normally largest quantity first. Select a row for the full write-up and sources.
✓ Decode Label Assessment: Favorable ⚠ Decode Label Assessment: Concern Decode Label Assessment: Neutral
Who should take caution
About this ingredient
Declared on this label as
No detailed safety data in our database yet for this ingredient.
Learn More
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What are the ingredients in Mint Fresh Herbal Gel With Ginger, Clove, Menthol?
The label of Mint Fresh Herbal Gel With Ginger, Clove, Menthol lists 16 ingredients, in label order: Sorbitol, Hydrated Silica, Water, PEG 32, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Extracts of Ginger & Black Pepper, Clove Oil, Cinnamon Oil, Camphor, Menthol, Peppermint Oil, Cellulose Gum, Sodium Saccharin, Sodium Benzoate, CI 19140, CI 42090. Flagged by the analysis: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Camphor, Menthol, Sodium Saccharin, CI 19140 and 3 more.
Is Mint Fresh Herbal Gel With Ginger, Clove, Menthol safe to use?
Mint Fresh Herbal Gel With Ginger, Clove, Menthol scores 4.6/10 on Decode Label (Moderate). This toothpaste contains Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, a common surfactant that can irritate sensitive gums and oral mucosa. It also includes camphor, which is toxic if ingested in significant amounts, and menthol and peppermint oil, which are not recommended for infants and toddlers due to potential breathing reflex risks.
Why does Mint Fresh Herbal Gel With Ginger, Clove, Menthol score 4.6/10?
Flagged in the score: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate can cause irritation to sensitive gums and oral mucosa. Camphor is toxic if swallowed in significant amounts, requiring caution for young children. Menthol and Peppermint Oil are not suitable for infants and toddlers.
Who should avoid Mint Fresh Herbal Gel With Ginger, Clove, Menthol?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Sensitive gums or oral mucosa; Avoiding Sodium Lauryl Sulfate; Infants and toddlers; Avoiding artificial sweeteners or synthetic colors.
Is Mint Fresh Herbal Gel With Ginger, Clove, Menthol suitable for babies or young children?
Infants under 1: Avoid. Toddlers & young children (1–5): Limit.
Are the claims on the Mint Fresh Herbal Gel With Ginger, Clove, Menthol pack accurate?
Decode Label checked 6 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "Mint Fresh Breath" — can't be verified from the label. "Anti-Cavity" — can't be verified from the label.
Answers are generated from this product's own Decode Label analysis — the score, the ingredient list and the label claims shown above. Always check the pack itself for allergen and dietary information.
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About this analysis: Based on declared label information and available evidence. Decode Label does not independently laboratory-test products, and a score is not a regulatory determination or medical advice.
Disclaimer: Safety scores are Decode Label-generated assessments based on publicly available regulatory data (FSSAI, WHO, EFSA, IARC) and peer-reviewed research. They are not a substitute for professional medical advice, and they are not a regulatory determination, a laboratory safety certification or a medical diagnosis. Ingredient safety can vary by individual health conditions, concentration, and usage context. Decode Label is an independent information service and scores every brand by the same rules. No brand pays for or influences its score. Our founder also founded the personal-care brand Botani Bestie (see our story); its products are scored exactly like everyone else's. Data limitations: This assessment is based on the information declared on the product label and the evidence sources above — Decode Label does not independently laboratory-test this product. Ingredient concentrations, sourcing and manufacturing can vary between batches and are not always disclosed. A finding that is not shown here means it was not identified from the available label information, not that it has been ruled out.
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